The king left and Evelyn began pacing. Her mind reeled with every impossible thing that could happen during lunch. Haydn telling everyone about their Bargain. Hannah flirting with Leo. And Leo…fuck.
Will it be Leo or Alexander downstairs? If King Gerard is there, will Leo ignore me and focus on Hannah like he’s supposed to? Would that be easier? To pretend like we don’t know each other at all? Will it kill me faster to meet his eyes or never see them again?
Evelyn waited until the last minute to leave her room and was surprised to find a guard in the hallway. He was from Carrowmore, based on the red uniform. He was handsome, with short, strawberry-blond hair, a bit of stubble, and dimples someone was sure to fawn over.
The man smiled apologetically. “I’m supposed to ensure you make it downstairs for lunch, Your Highness.”
Evelyn rolled her eyes. “I’m going. I’ve already been thoroughly threatened.” She started toward the stairs but stopped when she realized the guard was following her. “I don’t need an escort. I know how to get to the dining room.”
“I was given very specific directions from King Tristan. And everyone is waiting in the sitting room.”
“You know, I could set your shoes on fire,” Evelyn said casually.
I wouldn’t actually do that, at least not to a guard doing his job.
“I was warned about that possibility,” he said amusedly.
“What’s your name?” Evelyn felt bad not knowing it, but the man had been one of King Nolan’s guards originally.
“Rory Flynn,” he said.
“Rory, can you do me a favor?”
“After you arrive in the sitting room, yes. I am at your service.”
“Can you make sure Captain Fontaine is in the palace? I don’t trust Councilor Ritter.”
Or maybe I don’t trust myself around him. I already have one tattoo. I don’t need another. But he knows just the right thing to say.
Rory looked surprised but nodded. “I can see to that. But you are aware that there are plenty of guards here, right?”
“I know. But I also know the Gryon guards like wine more than they like paying attention.”
Rory snorted. Evelyn continued walking until she got to the bottom of the stairs. Voices came from the sitting room. The urge to run in any other direction was overwhelming.
“What happens if I go back to my room or leave the palace?” she asked.
“I am to restrain you and alert your father.”
Evelyn eyed the guard. “What kind of magic do you have?”
He smirked. “Water.”
“No wonder the king askedyouto babysit the Fire princess,” Evelyn grumbled.
“I could carry you the rest of the way. But I’m sure you don’t want your dress wet any more than I want my uniform burned.”
“I’m going!” She urged her feet forward.
Evelyn forced a pleasant expression onto her face before she entered the sitting room. Haydn was closest to the door, talking with Queen Camille. The kings were laughing together about something. Leo and Hannah were chatting quietly in the corner. Then, like the start of a nightmare, all six of them looked directly at Evelyn. In her attempt to avoid Leo and Hannah, she accidentally locked eyes with Haydn. He smiled, and her stomach flipped at the gorgeous sight.
Dammit, why are liars allowed to be attractive?
Haydn bowed. “We were beginning to worry you weren’t coming, Princess Evelyn. It’s a pleasure to see you again.”
Is it too late to leave? I can handle a fight with Rory.
Evelyn turned her attention to Queen Camille. “I apologize for my tardiness. I didn’t mean to delay lunch.”
